Actima to Build the World's Fastest DVD Drive Leading Taiwan Drive Manufacturer Puts Zen Technology to Work TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 19 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- Actima Technology Corporation, one of the world's fastest growing manufacturers of optical drives, is pleased to announce it has begun a rapid-development program to produce Multibeam(R) drives. Actima has entered into a license agreement with Zen Research that provides access to key elements of Zen's True X(TM) and Multibeam(R) drive technologies. Development has started with Zen and production of a high-performance Actima Multibeam(R) DVD-ROM Drive is targeted for later this year. Actima has established a dedicated team of engineers to quickly integrate Zen technology into its highly rated series of DVD-ROM drives. Work is already underway to modify Actima's efficient DVD-ROM mechanisms to accept Multibeam(TM) pickups. A new PC Board is also being designed to accept Infineon Technologies' new single-chip, Multibeam(TM) DVD-ROM controller. "We believe that dedication to technological excellence is a vital cornerstone to Actima's success. Employing Zen's True X(TM) design strategy is consistent with our quest to rapidly develop and implement emerging new technologies," said Raymon Liao, Actima's President. "Actima has grown tremendously in sales and production volume since their beginnings in 1997," said Emil Jachmann, Zen President and CEO. "They are in a good position to capitalize on the performance gains possible with Multibeam(R) Drive design." About Actima Actima Technology Corporation supplies high-performance computer optical products and IA (information appliance) products to OEMs, value-added resellers, system integrators and distributors. Their products are all ISO 9001-certified and include CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD module and CD accessories, which are manufactured in Taiwan and China. They have operations in the U.S., Europe and China. Additional information about Actima is available at www.actima.com.tw. About Zen Technology Zen True X(TM) is comprised of patented optical drive technologies that allow CD and DVD drive makers, silicon chip manufacturers, and optical pick-up makers to build high-performance drives and components. True X(R) enabled drives read multiple tracks of a disk simultaneously, process the data and deliver the information at transfer rates that substantially exceed those achieved using conventional single-beam technology. About Zen Research Zen Research plc, an international company traded on the London Stock Exchange, develops high-performance optical drive technologies. The company's marketing affiliate is located at 20400 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino CA. Zen has been issued 23 patents in relation to its core technologies. Additional information about Zen Research is available at www.zenresearch.com or by email to [email protected]. NOTE: Zen, True X, and Multibeam are registered trademarks of Zen Research (Ireland) Ltd. This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Actima's agreement with Zen Research, and the future success of Zen(TM) technology. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements, as a result of several factors, including the successful implementation of Zen(TM) technology by Actima, and other risk factors. SOURCE: Actima Technology Corporation CONTACT: Actima Technology Corporation, 886-2-8768-3939, or [email protected] Web site: http://www.zenresearch.com Web site: http://www.actima.com.tw-END-